There are a few signs that can indicate that you might be going down the road of over-maniplation with the goal of perfect kinks and curls. If you need some examples check these out below:
Retwisting every night to have the perfect curls or coils – Do you really need to retwist every night? Can you honestly put off a night or two and let it be bigger or less defined for the sake of your hair?
If you just cannot stand the lack of definition then retwist every other day and on those days you do not retwist, throw on a scarf, headband* or cute beanie. I promise your hair will thank you for the break.
Using tons of product to have smooth edges day in and day out – OK, enough with accentuating baby hair, and as a matter of fact…no grown woman even HAS baby hairs!
All you are doing is putting too much stress on your edges, and if you are constantly using a gel and brush to make them super smooth, you are going to notice thinning if you never give it a break. No one says you need slicked down hair to be beautiful.
Wetting your hair every-day for perfect coils, curls and waves – *raises hand with head bowed*. This is me and I cannot deny it. I get up every morning for work and jump in the shower and rewet my hair. Is that even necessary?
I have been opting for going a few days in between and letting my frizz fly to enormous amounts and I actually like it. I’ll spritz it a little in the morning with my spray bottle concoction if needed. Pineappling, wearing a loose scarf, or a satin pillowcase* can salvage your style and allow you to rock bigger and better Wash and Go hair, if you are willing to part with curl definition.
Changing your hair several times a day so it looks impeccable – Stop the primping and the prepping throughout the day. All that extra manipulation is unnecessary, as well looks a tad bit haggard at the end of the day.
Heck, if you look too good, your boss might think you aren’t working hard enough! let your hair be. If it grows into a frizz ball, make the habit of bringing a headband* or other accessories to quickly change your style, without having to pull out the spray bottle, gel, wide tooth comb*, and turn your work bathroom into a salon.
As it begins to sink in, remember that you are far from alone and not a failure by any stretch of the imagination. This is just a bump in the road to loving and nurturing your hair. Relax your rigid routines, if you find yourself in your hair more than you need to be, and look for the signs of over-manipulation to your edges, nape, and all over really. Give your hair and your mind a break and just let your hair ‘be’. Your tresses will thank you for it!
Beautiful